A new drone course – run through the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) – had lift off at Forth Valley College recently.
The five day course - entitled ECITB Industrial UAS Operations: Foundation Training Course - ran for the first time from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September, at the FVC Falkirk Campus and the College is the only Scottish provider offering this programme.
The course will help industry professionals to advance their drone operation skills for industrial applications, such as infrastructure inspections, site surveys, and complex photography and data capture.
It was designed in collaboration with leading industrial drone users Sellafield. They joined an ECITB working group that helped instigate the creation of industry-wide standards, for the use of unmanned aircraft on sites, providing a benchmark for remote pilots looking to work in complex engineering and construction environments.
After successful completion students will receive ECITB Certification - allowing them to demonstrate to employers an industry-standard and approved level of competency for industrial drone inspections.
Zak Stark, FVC’s Head of Commercial Training and Delivery, said: “The course went very well with both students – one a former Petroineos Refinery worker and the other still working at the site - doing very well in both the practical and theory tests. As part of our Skills Transition Centre offering we are looking to offer a range of Drone provision from beginner to advanced level, including awarding body certificated and College certificated provision. We see huge career potential in this area. From industry which is recognising the huge value of employing drone pilots for inspections to commercial and even wedding footage.”
Ray Skene, who is Technical Manager at the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), said: “It was great to pay a visit to Forth Valley College to see learners in the first week of the Foundation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Course being delivered at the campus.
“The industrial sector’s growing use of drones or UAS in operations is improving safety, increasing efficiency and reducing workECITB Drone course has lift off at FVCers’ exposure to work-at-height risks and other hazardous environments.
“The ECITB Foundation UAS drone training course provides an understanding of drone functionality and how to conduct operations on industrial sites safely, effectively and efficiently.”
The photo shows (from left to right): Zak Stark, Head of Commercial Training and Delivery, Ray Skene, ECITB Technical Manager, Stuart Clydesdale a former Petroineos refinery worker and David Clement whose role at Petroineos finishes in December 2025 and Laura Fraser, FVC’s Skills Transition Centre Project Manager
For full course details, prices and enrollment, visit: Industrial Drone Operation – ECITB or Take-off for Drone Training Course - ECITB or click here.
For further information e-mail FVC on training@forthvalley.ac.uk
